Large Mine Group Opposes Lake and Peninsula Initiative

Published: September 15, 2011

(Juneau, AK)-- Alaska’s mining companies have come out in opposition to an initiative that would amend the land use code in the Lake and Peninsula Borough.

The Council of Alaska Producers (CAP), representing active large metal mines and large mine development and exploration companies, said the Lake and Peninsula “Save Our Salmon” initiative on the October borough ballot is contradictory, confusing and would “deny the State of Alaska the ability to manage its natural resources for the benefit of all Alaskans as mandated under the Alaska Constitution.”

The group also noted that Alaska’s Attorney General had appealed to the State Supreme Court to halt the vote on the initiative because, according to the State’s legal filing, “the SOS Initiative would (also) enact an unenforceable law that exceeds the borough’s authority.”

CAP’s Executive Director Mike Satre said the group opposes the measure and is aware that the Resource Development Council, Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Alaska Support Industry Alliance, and the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce have also stated their opposition to the initiative.

Satre said CAP members see the initiative as taking away the state’s authority to manage its resources using predictable, science-based permitting and regulatory processes, and that, if passed, could unintentionally have statewide ramifications by setting a precedent that would inhibit the development of natural resources across Alaska.

The group has also written to Alaska Governor Sean Parnell expressing support for the State’s efforts to manage resources for the benefit of all Alaskans..